Martin Eichinger does not refer to himself as a figurative sculptor even though he clearly has a profound sense of human anatomy. "I am a narrative artist. The language I use is form and anatomy, but what I try to sculpt is emotion and motion." His sculptures are evidence of a visionary who has something positive and eternal to say with his talent.
The characters he creates are alive in the mind of Martin Eichinger and it shows in the sculptures that come from his hands. Each sculpture has a personality, a unique story to tell, a wink of humor, a hint of tragedy or the artists philosophy. Eichinger has placed many of his sculpture studies on the edge of possibility without losing their sense of grace. In particular his series of characters from an imaginary circus is magically balanced on this edge. Eichinger and his bronze circus were recently guests of Prince Rainier of Monaco at Festival International du Cirque.
Martin Eichinger (b. 1949) studied design and anatomy at Ferris State University, did post graduate work in sculpture at Michigan State University, and pursued independent studies of classical sculpture in Europe. He has won numerous awards and competitions including a Kellogg Internship and NEA grants. Eichinger opened his first studio in Lansing, Michigan in 1972. In 1985 he relocated to Portland, Oregon.
Eichinger is known for several public monumental works. His most significant is a 16-foot cast bronze for Lansing, Michigan. Other recent and notable commissioned works include the Columbus Quincentennial high relief plaque for "Spain '92," a plaque and bust of President Ronald Reagan, and a sculpture to commemorate the 50th anniversary of Tenth Mountain Division of the United States Army.
